If civilian politicians retained control in Japan

What if Katō had lived and civilian politicians had retained control of Japan longer?

Japan might have remained more politically balanced and less dominated by militarist leadership.

The counterfactual asks what might change if Katō and civilian politicians retained authority longer. This would be a meaningful divergence rather than a cosmetic personnel change. Continued civilian control could restrain the militaristic political trajectory and create a more balanced Japanese state. The answer remains cautious, presenting a change in balance rather than a guaranteed peaceful outcome.